I believe there is a difference between giving up and letting go.

Giving up is not allowing the chance to try to fulfill my potential because of fear I might reach it, and still not succeed; not be enough for myself, or anyone. Meanwhile, letting go is allowing myself the chance to try to fulfill my potential while understanding that I have no control over the outcome and the perception of whether it is successful or not, but doing it anyway.

I believe doing what I enjoy is the essence of true love and self-respect. It is not how well, fast, far, or how much, but feeling the urge to want to do a physical, mental, or creative activity, taking action to do it, and then accepting the exhaustion, elation, endorphins, pain, effort, humor, ugliness, beauty that comes next, because what culminates the truth of that moment is a realization of contentment.

That is why I run nearly every day, ride bikes inside and out, why I am writing right now, why I will swim today, and why I will race a half-marathon on Sunday, because knowing what I want to do, choosing to do it, regardless of the outcome, accepting and enjoying it all means more than a medal, and extends beyond any finish line, it’s all there is.

Want + Choose + Do + Enjoy = Self Love and Respect